Descending inside a moulin, Greenland.
Credit: A. Romeo
The colours of ice are still fresh in my mind. I landed in Sardinia for the CAVES course a few days after returning from an expedition in Greenland with the French association, Spe’le”Ice, where I supported the team as photographer and expert on Moulins (what glaciologists call ice caves).
Descending inside an ice cave, Greenland.
Credit: A. Romeo
As a caver and geographic explorer, my “extra”-terrestrial adventures take place on glaciers, or better yet, inside them. To be surrounded by blue ice is magic and unforgettable! There is nothing as thrilling as walking inside an ice cave. It is a privilege reserved for speleologists and glaciologists.
My adventures under the ice surface started in 1997 when I joined an expedition in Patagonia organized by the La Venta geographic exploration team. I led my first expedition in Greenland in 1999.We reached the glacier by kayak and the cave exploration was great. We visited several moulins and an incredible shaft of 160 m.
In 2001 I finished a master’s degree in geology with a thesis on the evolution of ice caves in the Gorner glacier, Switzerland.
Because of my job I travel often for speleological expeditions as a member of La Venta or for photographic trips, but also on my own. I love to see our planet from different perspectives, among different cultures and landscapes.
Graal III expedition, 2013, Greenland
Credit: A. Romeo
To be involved in the exciting ESA CAVEs experience is my chance to be in contact with a peculiar and unique kind of traveller: astronauts.
Even hearing stories about the International Space Station directly frrom them, I cannot imagine how different exploration from space must be. I don’t think it will be possible for me to have this opportunity in my life, I have other missions to complete, but I am so happy to share the CAVES experience and our passion for exploration with experienced astronauts like Mike, Paolo and Satoshi. And it is an honour to be able to teach useful skills and experiences to the new astronauts that will fly soon. Good work Jeremy, Alexei and Jack! Remember to send photos of glaciers from space, maybe we will find some new ice caves with your help!
Alessio Romeo
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